West Rowan Middle School

Bulldog Band Program

2017-2018 Band Handbook

Vol. 3

West Rowan Middle School Bulldog Music Department Mission Statement

The West Rowan Middle School Band Program is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to grow musically, socially, and academically. Through musical performance, students learn how to perform and appreciate music of a variety of

styles and levels of difficulty. Through group involvement, students learn how to work together to achieve common goals that are more personal and develop self-discipline to become an educated and informed citizen in the community. Through the study of harmony, scales, rhythms, and musicality, students develop skills that will allow them to truly

understand and appreciate the foundation of music as well as the beauty it provides.

Bulldog Music Department Goals for a Superior Musician

1. Develop strong musicianship and a cultural awareness in the classroom through the preparation, performance, and global study of quality, musical literature.

2. Provide curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for all music students that enhance their musical experience.

3. Facilitate opportunities for students seeking musical self-enrichment.

4. Create community on all levels: within our classrooms, our department, our school buildings, and our local population; as well as within the national and global community.

5. Enrich students' appreciation of the musical arts by attending multicultural arts events.

6. Create the best possible learning environment in order that students may pursue an education in the musical arts.

7. Inspire students to become life-long learners and intelligent consumers of music.

8. Create a family of individuals who want to enrich the lives of others as well as their own lives with the sounds and moods of music.

�1West Rowan Middle School

Bulldog Band 2017-2018

Band Handbook

Mr. Nathan Bowman Director of Bands

Welcome back to a brand new year of band! I am very excited to continue our new traditions that are making our band program a superior one! Band is not only a class where we can all grow as musicians, but also a way for each member to grow together as a family! In this handbook, you will find all information regarding our band program. Each student AND parent is expected to read the handbook in its entirety so everyone knows all the expectations and responsibilities that will ensure each student’s and our program’s success!

Mr. Bowman’s Big Three (Rules)

1. Respect yourself, your peers, and any others with one voice at a time in class. 2. 100% participation, 100% of the time

3. Class is easy and fun when you come prepared with both your mind and materials.

Expectations For A Great Band Experience!

Expectations Preparation Participation

1. Respect to all people and from all people. 1. Promptness of each student is expected for each class or rehearsal

1. Concert participation are required of ALL students.

2. We will not talk down to anyone regardless of their abilities or attitude.

2. Quickly and quietly get all materials needed in order to start class on time.

2. Unless pre-arranged accommodations (IEP, 504 plans) are in place, each student is expected to participate in ALL in class assignments both in groups and solo.

3. Derogatory language, insults or profanity will not be tolerated.

3. Bring your instrument, music folder, method book, planner, paper, pencil and 4 highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, green) and iPad to class every day.

3. One can not participate if he/she does not have the correct materials. Lack of required class materials will adversely effect the weekly participation grade.

4. It is expected of the students to keep the band room and instrument storage room clean at all times.

4. Band is an academic class just like all others, therefore; practice is a must! This is considered studying for band class. Weekly pass offs and playing tests will be used as assessments.

5. If repairs are needed, they are to be requested outside of class time.

6. Absolutely No Food, Drink, or Gum allowed in the classroom or in the storage room. Water is permitted in a water bottle with a lid to prevent spills.

�2The West Rowan Middle School Ensembles

• 6th Grade Beginning Band - The beginning band meets daily. Students choose this class as their exploratory option along with PE. The schedule does not change. The Beginning band is split up between brass in one class and woodwinds and percussion in the other class.

• 7th Grade Intermediate Band - The 7th grade intermediate band meets daily. Comprised of only 7th graders, the band focuses on building strong fundamentals and preparing grade 1/2-1 1/2 concert music.

• 8th Grade Intermediate Band - The 8th grade Intermediate band meets daily. Comprised of only 8th graders, the band focuses on strengthening the fundamentals learned in 6th and 7th grade band and works to prepare grade 1 1/2-2 music for concerts and festivals such as MPA and the Spring Trip.

• NEW THIS YEAR! WRMS Honor Band - The honor band is comprised of the top students in each grade level. This ensemble is by audition only. Auditions are held semesterly for chair placements. At the start of the second semester, 6th graders are welcome to audition to be part of the ensemble. This ensemble performs at MPA each year in grade 2 - 2 1/2. The Honor Band also works to build strong sight-reading skills and will play at special events in the community.

In Class Procedures

• Students should arrive to class early enough to get their instrument out from the locker room. • Instrument cases should remain in the locker room in order to avoid clutter. • At students’ seats, all must have notebooks, music, iPad (if needed) pencil, and all appropriate instrument accessories. • Brass instruments should be oiled and greased BEFORE rehearsal begins. There will not be time during rehearsal to do

this. • 5 Minutes will be given at the end of class to put up instruments and reset chairs and stands before dismissal.

Before School & After School Practicing

• The band room will be open both before, and after school. Students who are in the band room during practice periods MUST be working on their music.

• If you want individual help with Mr. Bowman, open band room hours are the time for that.

Accessories

• NEW THIS YEAR! There will be a small $10.00 band fee this year. The band fee will cover the notebook that each student will receive in lieu of buying a method book. This notebook will be brought to school everyday. This will be reflected in the daily participation grade.

• Pencil, Paper, and iPad should be brought to class from each student EVERY DAY • If your instrument requires reeds to function properly, such as Clarinets and Saxophones, the student must have on

hand, AT LEAST 5 reeds (purchase a whole box. It will include 10 reeds). Purchase reeds from the local music store. Mr. Bowman will not have an unlimited amount to give out to students. What to buy: Vandoren size 2.5 or 3 (based on the student’s progression in class [6th grade need to start on 2.5, I will notify you when to move to a 3])

• Brass players should always have slide grease and valve oil on hand that should be used on a daily basis. • Percussion players must always have their pair of standard drum sticks for fundamental practice. Other sticks and

mallets will be provided. What to buy: Vic Firth SD1 Snare Drum Sticks.

�3Instruments

• Each student is required to have an instrument to use every day. • Students who play larger instruments such as Baritone, French Horn, Bass Clarinet, Tenor sax, Bari sax, or Tuba will have

an instrument checked out to them for use throughout the year. • Our band representative will be glad to set up an instrument, Rent-To-Own plan. Speak with the band director for more

information. • Students may drop off their instrument before school and pick it up before the bell at the end of the day (with

permission from a last period teacher). • A locker will be provided to each student for their instrument and music folder. Locker combinations will ONLY be given

to the student who is assigned to that locker. Students will be responsible for their lockers and their possessions inside.

Repairs

• Repairs must be reported to the band director as soon as possible in order for a repair to be made promptly. • Repairs will NOT be made during instructional time. Students will still need to participate as best as they can until class

ends and the instrument can be examined. • Students MIGHT be able to borrow a loaner instrument, IF there are any available in the band inventory. • Parents will be informed if payment needs to be rendered before the repair is made.

Concerts

There will be multiple concerts throughout the year, at least one concert per semester as well as band competitions in the spring semester. These performances will be treated of the upmost importance. Concert etiquette will be observed at all performances, in respect for every student who performs. • ALL CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT WEST ROWAN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM (unless otherwise advertised)! • A call time will be determined, written on the band schedule and announced in advance to the class. Students are

required to be at the meeting location with their instruments ready to warm up and prepare for the performance. This means students should arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to get their instrument and music ready to play.

• No absences will be tolerated, without director approval. The latest time to request an absence is two weeks in advance.

• In the event of an emergency please contact me as soon as possible. An emergency consists of: death in the family, contagious sickness or hospitalization. If you are sick enough to skip the concert, you are sick enough to bring a doctor note when you return to school!!

• For an approved absence, an alternate assignment will be given as a make up grade. The assignment must be turned in by the due date to receive performance credit.

�4Concert Behavior

Concerts are the music departments way of showcasing AND assessing each student’s work. It is very important to know that each student worked very hard to give a successful concert, therefore; all students need to demonstrate

superior concert behavior.

• Before the Performances • Arrive EARLY! Make sure your instrument is out and that you have visited the bathroom before the performances

begin! • Sit in the section that has been roped off for you, you will not be getting up and down during the performances. • The auditorium at WRHS has a strict NO food, gum, or drink policy, so please do not bring that into the auditorium

space. • During the Performances

• There is NO talking during performances. Talking is distracting and disrespectful to the performers. • Your cell phone’s and iPads should be put away and turned OFF. They will be confiscated if they are seen out during a

performance. • If you MUST go to the bathroom or leave the auditorium during a performance, wait until the piece or song is over and

the audience is clapping in order to avoid causing a distraction during a performance. • Recognize the performers by applause ONLY. Yelling, whistling, etc.. is unnecessary. • ALWAYS applaud at the end of a performance, even if you absolutely hated it. Remember, the students, ensembles, and

other performers have worked very hard to prepare this concert for you and your families. Be respectful by complimenting and acknowledging their hard work and performance.

• After the Performances • Students are required to stay for the entire concert (unless otherwise approved by Mr. Bowman). Remember, those

who perform last were respectful for your performance so always return the favor. • Clean up the areas you used (the band room with all of your instrument cases, the stage with your music on it,

bathrooms and your audience seat where you may or may not have trash). • Misc. Behavior and Etiquette Expectations

• Concerts have a start time, but not a set end time. Concerts will usually NOT last longer than 2 hours maximum. • Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the concert to support not only their own child, but also, the entire WRMS

Music Program Concert Dress

Professionalism is of the upmost importance. When going to a festival contest such as Carowinds, Busch Gardens, or our State MPA, first impressions are made immediately depending on how professionally dressed we are. It is our aim to

practice that professional presence not only at contests, but at all of our concerts in the community.

Students are expected to appear in uniform for all concert and performance events. The director will announce any changes in the uniform or dress expectations well in advance. The uniforms are as follows for each student: • For all Males

• Black Dress Pants • Black Socks • Black Dress Shoes • Black Belt

�5• White Collared Shirt (Buttoned down the middle) • Necktie or Bowtie of your choice (tasteful though)

• For all Females • Black Dress Pants OR knee length black skirt • Black socks or hose • Black Shoes • White Collared Blouse • Knee length dress (with cardigan if shoulder straps are

less than three fingers in width. • All shirts must be tucked in. The following is NOT permitted dress for concerts: • Jeans of any color • Tee Shirts/Shorts or Short Skirts • Sneakers/Flip Flops

• If any student needs assistance with obtaining proper dress, contact Mr. Bowman as soon as possible (at least two weeks prior to event).

• If a student does not arrive in proper attire to a concert or performance he/she will not be allowed to participate which will result in a performance grade of 0.

Field Trips (Day Trips)

• Students are expected to abide by the school-wide established policy as well as the rules established in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ Code of Conduct on any trip taken by the band.

• Students that have received ISS or OSS within two weeks prior to the trip will NOT be eligible to attend. • If it is a required trip and ISS or OSS prevents a student from going, the student will be given an alternate assignment

to complete while the class is on the trip. • If this is a paid trip, refunds will not be given due to the fact that the trip will already be paid in full.

Field Trips (Overnight Trips)

• Students are expected to abide by the school-wide established policy as well as the rules established in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ Code of Conduct on any trip taken by the band.

• The first deposit for the trip will be non-refundable. This is in order to make sure we can pay for busses and all early expenses that go with the trip. This WILL NOT BE REFUNDED for any reason.

• Students that have received ISS or OSS on or after the due date for the non-refundable deposit will NOT be eligible to attend the overnight trip.

• Refunds after the non refundable deposit will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Web Assignments

• It is expected that each student practice AT LEAST 20 minutes per day (100 minutes per week) in order to be fully prepared for any and all performances and Web Assignments.

• Web assignments/playing tests will be done via schoology, SmartMusic, or in class depending on the assignment.

�6Grading System

Daily Assignments (50%) • Daily Participation Scores • Web Assignments Assessments (50%) • Concert Attendance, Behavior and Performance • Concert Critique • Substitute Assignments and Projects Extra Credit • By attending other musical events such as WRMS Chorus, and West Rowan High School Band and Chorus programs,

extra points can be added to your grade. In order to receive credit for attending, bring a copy of the program to class on the next school day AND a written performance review of at least one page.

Late Work Policy • I will give a final date for when ALL assignments are due (this is usually at the end of the grading period), if work is not

turned in by the final due date, a 0 will be given and will not be able to be made up.

All Rubrics for grading can be found on the weebly site (www.wrmsbands.weebly.com)

Absences

Missed Assignments • If work is assigned to the class on the day of your absence, the assignment will be placed in an assignment folder, at

the front of the room, for you to pick up and complete within 3 days of your return to school. Missed Playing Tests • If you are absent on the day of an in class playing test, it is your responsibility to reschedule your playing test outside of

class. The director will be happy to help you find a suitable time for your playing test. Missed Concerts or Performances • If you have an EXCUSED absence from a concert or other performance, an alternate assignment will be given to you to

complete in its place. This assignment will take the place of the two missed concert grades. • Unexcused absences will not receive an alternate assignment and will automatically receive a grade of 0 (refer to page

3 for full details of concert attendance).

Communication Is Key!

I encourage all parents to call, email or set up a parent-teacher meeting at any time they feel is necessary. I will also work hard to keep parents involved with their student’s struggles but even more importantly, their successes.

I use the remind app to quickly communicate with students and parents. Send a text message to 81010 with @wrmsband in the message box to register for the ONE remind account for ALL parents and students

Nathan Bowman Phone: 704-633-4775 ext. 135 Email: nathan.bowman@rss.k12.nc.us Website: www.wrmsbands.weebly.com Twitter: @wrms_band Facebook: WRMS Band

2017-2018 WRMS Band Calendar Band Booster Meeting/Parent Meeting……..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………September 7

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………October 10

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….November 7

All County Band Auditions 3:30 PM (@ WRMS) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….November 14

8th Grade Band Night (@WR High)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………November 17

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….December 14

Winter Band Concert 7:00 PM (@WR High)……………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………December 19

All-District Band Auditions………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….…………………..January 6 (Snow Date: Jan. 3)

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………….January 9

All District Band Clinic………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..……………January 26-27 (Snow date: Feb. 2-3)

Band Boosters…………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..February 13

All County Honor Band Clinic (@Carson High)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..February 23-24

Pre-MPA Concert 7:00PM (@WR High)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..February 27

Music Performance Adjudication (@Wingate University)………………………………………………………………….…………….………………………………..March 7, 8, or 9

5th Grade Recruitment………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………March 12-16

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….March 13

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………April 10

6th Grade Carowinds………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………May 5

Band Booster Meeting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….……………………………………..May 8

Solo and Ensemble MPA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………May 12

Spring Concert 7:00 PM (@WR High) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….…May 15

Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….…………………………….May 22

�2Last Name ________________________ First Name____________________________

Student and Parent Handbook Agreement and Permissions

Please complete and return this page to Mr. Bowman no later than September 8, 2017 for your first grade of the school year. The West Rowan Middle School Band is dedicated to setting the highest standard for excellence in music. Each

member plays a vital role in our program where everyone is of the upmost importance to succeed. Please understand the expectations of OUR organization by reading this handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr.

Bowman at nathan.bowman@rss.k12.nc.us or by phone at 704-633-4775 ext. 135.

Video and Photo Release

The band participates in multiple events both on and off RSS campuses that showcase the talent of all our musicians from the school. Often, the ensemble is recorded, video taped, and snapshots are made. Please fill out below giving, or

declining the right for WRMS Bands to use photos and concert recordings that may include your child.

________ I give the WRMS Band permission to record and photograph my child at concerts and other musical events, including rehearsal to share with public and school media.

________ I do NOT give the WRMS band permission to record and photograph my child at concerts and other musical events, including rehearsal to share with public and school media.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________________________________________Date:________________________________________

Code of Conduct Contract

1. I have read and understand all of the guidelines and procedures written in this handbook and furthermore; agree to abide by these guidelines and procedures for the 2017-2018 school year.

2. I have received and understand the calendar of events (printed in the handbook) for the 2017-2018 school year and agree that I/my child will attend every scheduled rehearsal and performance unless the absence is excused.

3. I understand the consequences if the guidelines and procedures outlined in this handbook are not followed. 4. Failing to sign does not exempt students from procedures and events set out in this handbook.

Student Name (Printed):_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature:________________________________________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Printed): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________________________ Date:______________________________________

�3Last Name_________________________________ First Name___________________________________

Parent Involvement/Volunteer Form

One person can not run the program on his own, therefore; parents are a key factor of making our band program a huge success! Below is a form for each parent to fill out indicating in what way they want to be involved.

Please fill this out and return with the Handbook Contract on September 2, 2016

Parent Name:_____________________________________________ Student Name:__________________________________________________

Parent Phone: (______) _______-_________ Best Email:__________________________________________________________________

Volunteers must complete the Rowan-Salisbury School System volunteer training before becoming a volunteer or chaperone. Visit http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/volunteer to complete the volunteer training. [If attending Carowinds or

another spring trip, you must complete all TIER 2 requirements before hand]

I would like to be involved in the following: (Select as many as you are able and willing to do)

Volunteer Descriptions: • MPA Field Trip Chaperone: Ride the bus to Wingate University to chaperone students, help keep students in line, orderly,

etc… also get to experience wonderful performances from our bands and other bands around us. • Winter Concert Chaperone (also for Spring concert): Parents will sit with the students to ensure discipline, quiet and

polite behavior while listening to other ensembles performing. • All County Auditions Volunteer: Assist Mr. Bowman in running the All-County band auditions at WRMS. Parents will sell

concessions, monitor students practicing in the gym, keep order in the audition hallways. • Vendor Expo and Flea Market Volunteer: Assist in the annual Vendor Expo and Flea Market. Duties include but are not

limited to, running the Band’s yard sale table, selling food, helping vendors get parked and set up, coordinating parking, etc…

• Spring Trip Chaperone: Chaperones will be in charge of 5-10 students on the trip, take attendance, relay important information to Mr. Bowman that the kids need, etc.

• Wish to help serve the band in any way needed: Parents are willing to help in any way not necessarily listed above if available when needed.

• I do not wish to, or am unable to volunteer during the 2017-2018 school year: check this if you are unable to volunteer.

______Grade MPA Field Trip Chaperone (will need to ride bus)

______Winter Concert Chaperone (sit in student section, keep order)

______All County Auditions Parent Volunteer (auditions held at WRMS this year) ______

Vendor Expo and Flea Market Parent Volunteer

______Spring Concert Chaperone (sit in student section, keep order) ______

I wish to help serve the band in any way needed

______Spring Trip Chaperone (Carowinds, Busch Gardens, etc…) ______

I do not wish to or am unable to volunteer during the 2017-2018 school year.

�4

�52017-2018 WRMS Band Calendar

Band Booster Meeting/Parent Meeting……..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………September 7

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………October 10

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….November 7

All County Band Auditions 3:30 PM (@ WRMS) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….November 14

8th Grade Band Night (@WR High)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………November 17

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….December 14

Winter Band Concert 7:00 PM (@WR High)…………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………December 19

All-District Band Auditions………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….…………………..January 6 (Snow Date: Jan. 3)

Band Booster Meeting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….January 9

All District Band Clinic………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………January 26-27 (Snow date: Feb. 2-3)

Band Boosters…………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..February 13

All County Honor Band Clinic (@Carson High)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..February 23-24

Pre-MPA Concert 7:00PM (@WR High)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..February 27

Music Performance Adjudication (@Wingate University)………………………………………………………………….…………….………………………………..March 7, 8, or 9

5th Grade Recruitment………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………March 12-16

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….March 13

Band Booster Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………April 10

6th Grade Carowinds………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………May 5

Band Booster Meeting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….……………………………………..May 8

Solo and Ensemble MPA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………May 12

Spring Concert 7:00 PM (@WR High) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….…May 15

Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….May 2